How to Care for Your Fresh Christmas Tree: Keep It Beautiful All Season Long
There’s nothing quite like the look, smell, and feel of a fresh Christmas tree to bring the Christmas spirit into your home. To keep your tree looking lush and vibrant throughout the season, it needs a little care. Here are our top tips for making sure your tree stays healthy and beautiful from the moment you bring it home until it’s time to say goodbye.
1. Choose the Right Tree
- When you’re selecting a tree, look for needles that are green, pliable, and not easily pulled from the branches. Avoid trees that have brittle, dry needles that fall off with a gentle shake.
- Check the trunk; it should feel sticky to the touch. This means the tree is still holding onto moisture—a good sign it will last longer.
2. Get Your Tree in Water ASAP
- As soon as you get home, cut ½ to 1 inch off the base of the trunk to open up the tree’s pores, allowing it to absorb more water. Freshly cut trees can absorb up to a gallon of water in the first 24 hours! Be sure to check the water level often for the first few days.
- If you can’t bring it inside right away, place it in a bucket of water in a cool, shaded spot until you’re ready to set it up indoors.
3. Choose the Right Location in Your Home
- Place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or direct sunlight. Excess heat can dry out the needles faster.
- Try to keep the room temperature as consistent as possible to reduce stress on the tree.
4. Keep It Hydrated
- A fresh tree needs lots of water—up to a gallon per day at first! Check the water level in your stand daily, ensuring the bottom of the trunk is always submerged.
- Avoid additives like sugar, aspirin, or commercial preservatives. Fresh water is all your tree needs to stay healthy. We’ve heard people even add 7Up soda to the water. Only give your tree fresh clean water.
5. Decorate Safely
- Use LED lights, which generate less heat and are energy-efficient. Incandescent lights can dry out needles and increase fire risk.
- Be gentle when hanging ornaments.
6. Maintain Proper Humidity
- If your home is especially dry, consider using a humidifier in the room with the tree. The added humidity can help your tree stay hydrated and keep needles from drying out too quickly.
7. Monitor for Dry Needles
- As the days pass, it’s natural for a few needles to dry out and fall. But if you notice a significant amount, double-check that your tree is getting enough water.
8. Recycling After the Holidays
- When it’s time to take down your tree, look into recycling options. Many cities offer tree recycling programs, turning your tree into mulch that can be used in landscaping. It’s a wonderful way to give back to the earth in the new year.
With the right care, your fresh Christmas tree will bring warmth, beauty, and an unmistakable scent to your home all season long. Enjoy your tree, and Merry Christmas from our farm to your home!